Argument Basics
The author tries to convince readers of a position.
What is an argument?
The author’s main point in an argument.
What is a claim?
Supports the author’s claim.
What is Evidence?
The opposite viewpoint of the author’s claim.
What is a counterclaim?
Readers should question the author’s purpose and this.
What is their position?
Arguments are usually either ___ or ___ a certain issue.
For or against
A claim must be something that can be this.
What is argued or debated?
Name one type of evidence authors use.
Facts, statistics, quotes, or expert opinions
Words like however, although, even so signal this.
What is a Rebuttal
A believable and trustworthy author is described as this.
What is credible?
Arguments should include facts, evidence, or data instead of just this.
What is an opinion?
True or False: A claim is always a question.
What is false?
Evidence should be this and believable.
What is relevant and credible?
Authors include a counterclaim in order to do this.
What is address the opposing view?
Two things that make an author credible.
Credentials/background and reliable sources
This type of statement can be true or false and shares information.
What is a statement?
Students should look for the claim in this part of an article.
What is the first paragraph or introduction?
If evidence does not support the claim, the argument becomes this.
What is weak?
A rebuttal explains why the counterclaim is ___ than the claim.
What is weaker?
Persuasive techniques sometimes appeal to readers’ ___ such as fear or anger.
What are emotions?
An argument becomes stronger when the author includes evidence and addresses the other side of the issue.
What is a Stronger Argument?
Question students should ask themselves: “Is the claim clear and ___?”
What is reasonable?
Explain why statistics might be strong evidence.
They use data and numbers to support the claim.
Signal phrase: “Some people think…” introduces this.
What is a counterclaim?
When evaluating writing, readers must decide if the author was this.
What is persuasive or successful?